The Effectiveness of the Progression of Widex Zen Tinnitus Therapy: A Pilot Study

Purpose

The aim of this study was to measure the progression of benefits to individuals with tinnitus from providing informational counseling, hearing aids, a brief tinnitus activities treatment and Zen therapy.

Method

Several magnitude estimation scales and tinnitus handicap scales were administered for the duration of the study to 20 participants.

Results

Results indicated that all participants benefited from this sequential approach of providing different components of this tinnitus treatment. Large benefits were observed following the tinnitus activities treatment and the Zen treatments.

Conclusion

We conclude that the progressive approach of treatment demonstrated here should be of benefit to most individuals with tinnitus and that the Widex Zen sound therapy is a worthwhile treatment for many tinnitus sufferers.

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A Music-Related Quality of Life Measure to Guide Music Rehabilitation for Adult Cochlear Implant Users

Purpose

A music-related quality of life (MuRQoL) questionnaire was developed for the evaluation of music rehabilitation for adult cochlear implant (CI) users. The present studies were aimed at refinement and validation.

Method

Twenty-four experts reviewed the MuRQoL items for face validity. A refined version was completed by 147 adult CI users, and psychometric techniques were used for item selection, assessment of reliability, and definition of the factor structure. The same participants completed the Short Form Health Survey for construct validation. MuRQoL responses from 68 CI users were compared with those of a matched group of adults with normal hearing.

Results

Eighteen items measuring music perception and engagement and 18 items measuring their importance were selected; they grouped together into 2 domains. The final questionnaire has high internal consistency and repeatability. Significant differences between CI users and adults with normal hearing and a correlation between music engagement and quality of life support construct validity. Scores of music perception and engagement and importance for the 18 items can be combined to assess the impact of music on the quality of life.

Conclusion

The MuRQoL questionnaire is a reliable and valid measure of self-reported music perception, engagement, and their importance for adult CI users with potential to guide music aural rehabilitation.

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The Effectiveness of the Progression of Widex Zen Tinnitus Therapy: A Pilot Study

Purpose

The aim of this study was to measure the progression of benefits to individuals with tinnitus from providing informational counseling, hearing aids, a brief tinnitus activities treatment and Zen therapy.

Method

Several magnitude estimation scales and tinnitus handicap scales were administered for the duration of the study to 20 participants.

Results

Results indicated that all participants benefited from this sequential approach of providing different components of this tinnitus treatment. Large benefits were observed following the tinnitus activities treatment and the Zen treatments.

Conclusion

We conclude that the progressive approach of treatment demonstrated here should be of benefit to most individuals with tinnitus and that the Widex Zen sound therapy is a worthwhile treatment for many tinnitus sufferers.

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A Music-Related Quality of Life Measure to Guide Music Rehabilitation for Adult Cochlear Implant Users

Purpose

A music-related quality of life (MuRQoL) questionnaire was developed for the evaluation of music rehabilitation for adult cochlear implant (CI) users. The present studies were aimed at refinement and validation.

Method

Twenty-four experts reviewed the MuRQoL items for face validity. A refined version was completed by 147 adult CI users, and psychometric techniques were used for item selection, assessment of reliability, and definition of the factor structure. The same participants completed the Short Form Health Survey for construct validation. MuRQoL responses from 68 CI users were compared with those of a matched group of adults with normal hearing.

Results

Eighteen items measuring music perception and engagement and 18 items measuring their importance were selected; they grouped together into 2 domains. The final questionnaire has high internal consistency and repeatability. Significant differences between CI users and adults with normal hearing and a correlation between music engagement and quality of life support construct validity. Scores of music perception and engagement and importance for the 18 items can be combined to assess the impact of music on the quality of life.

Conclusion

The MuRQoL questionnaire is a reliable and valid measure of self-reported music perception, engagement, and their importance for adult CI users with potential to guide music aural rehabilitation.

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The Effectiveness of the Progression of Widex Zen Tinnitus Therapy: A Pilot Study

Purpose

The aim of this study was to measure the progression of benefits to individuals with tinnitus from providing informational counseling, hearing aids, a brief tinnitus activities treatment and Zen therapy.

Method

Several magnitude estimation scales and tinnitus handicap scales were administered for the duration of the study to 20 participants.

Results

Results indicated that all participants benefited from this sequential approach of providing different components of this tinnitus treatment. Large benefits were observed following the tinnitus activities treatment and the Zen treatments.

Conclusion

We conclude that the progressive approach of treatment demonstrated here should be of benefit to most individuals with tinnitus and that the Widex Zen sound therapy is a worthwhile treatment for many tinnitus sufferers.

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A Music-Related Quality of Life Measure to Guide Music Rehabilitation for Adult Cochlear Implant Users

Purpose

A music-related quality of life (MuRQoL) questionnaire was developed for the evaluation of music rehabilitation for adult cochlear implant (CI) users. The present studies were aimed at refinement and validation.

Method

Twenty-four experts reviewed the MuRQoL items for face validity. A refined version was completed by 147 adult CI users, and psychometric techniques were used for item selection, assessment of reliability, and definition of the factor structure. The same participants completed the Short Form Health Survey for construct validation. MuRQoL responses from 68 CI users were compared with those of a matched group of adults with normal hearing.

Results

Eighteen items measuring music perception and engagement and 18 items measuring their importance were selected; they grouped together into 2 domains. The final questionnaire has high internal consistency and repeatability. Significant differences between CI users and adults with normal hearing and a correlation between music engagement and quality of life support construct validity. Scores of music perception and engagement and importance for the 18 items can be combined to assess the impact of music on the quality of life.

Conclusion

The MuRQoL questionnaire is a reliable and valid measure of self-reported music perception, engagement, and their importance for adult CI users with potential to guide music aural rehabilitation.

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Effect of Electrode Montage and Head Position on Air-Conducted Ocular Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential

Purpose

The purpose of this investigation was to identify the optimal recording parameters for evoking the ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potential (oVEMP) using air-conduction stimuli.

Method

Subjects were 17 otologically and neurologically intact adults (age: M = 24.18 years, SD = 1.91 years). The oVEMP responses were elicited using a 500-Hz tone burst air-conduction stimulus presented at an intensity of 95 dB nHL. The setting was a balance function laboratory that was part of a large tertiary care otology clinic.

Results

The oVEMP electrode montage and body position that yielded the largest oVEMP amplitude was the belly-tendon montage (Sandhu, George, & Rea, 2013), recorded with the subject in the sitting position. The N1 latency recorded with the belly-tendon montage was significantly shorter than that recorded for the infraorbital montage in both the sitting and supine positions.

Conclusion

The belly-tendon recording montage with the subject sitting yields significantly larger oVEMP amplitudes and shorter N1 latencies than do traditional bipolar infraorbital recordings.

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Changes in Psychosocial Measures After a 6-Week Field Trial

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to assess the extent to which intervention with hearing aids, namely, a 6-week hearing aid field trial, can minimize the psychosocial consequences of hearing loss in adults who have previously not sought treatment for their hearing loss.

Method

Twenty-four adults with mild to moderate bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, who had never worn hearing aids or sought help for their hearing loss, participated in this study. Participants were fitted with receiver-in-canal hearing aids, bilaterally, and wore them for 6 weeks. Participants completed subjective measures of hearing handicap and attitudes about hearing loss and hearing aids before, during, and after the hearing aid trial. A control group of age-matched participants followed the same experimental protocol, except they were not fitted with hearing aids.

Results

Using hearing aids for 6 weeks significantly reduced participants' perceived stigma of hearing aids, personal distress and inadequacy due to hearing difficulties, and hearing handicap.

Conclusions

A hearing aid trial can have a positive effect on a person's attitudes toward wearing hearing aids and decrease hearing handicap.

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Exploring Audiologists' Language and Hearing Aid Uptake in Initial Rehabilitation Appointments

Purpose

The study aimed (a) to profile audiologists' language during the diagnosis and management planning phase of hearing assessment appointments and (b) to explore associations between audiologists' language and patients' decisions to obtain hearing aids.

Method

Sixty-two audiologist–patient dyads participated. Patient participants were aged 55 years or older. Hearing assessment appointments were audiovisually recorded and transcribed for analysis. Audiologists' language was profiled using two measures: general language complexity and use of jargon. A binomial, multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to investigate the associations between these language measures and hearing aid uptake.

Results

The logistic regression model revealed that the Flesch–Kincaid reading grade level of audiologists' language was significantly associated with hearing aid uptake. Patients were less likely to obtain hearing aids when audiologists' language was at a higher reading grade level. No associations were found between audiologists' use of jargon and hearing aid uptake.

Conclusions

Audiologists' use of complex language may present a barrier for patients to understand hearing rehabilitation recommendations. Reduced understanding may limit patient participation in the decision-making process and result in patients being less willing to trial hearing aids. Clear, concise language is recommended to facilitate shared decision making.

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High Risk Factors Associated With Early Childhood Hearing Loss: A 3-Year Review

Purpose

In this study, we examined the association between risk factors for hearing loss and early childhood hearing status (normal hearing, congenital hearing loss, or delayed-onset hearing loss). Follow-up rates of audiologic care following passed or referred birth screens for children with risk factors were also examined.

Method

A retrospective data review was completed on 115,039 children born from 2010 to 2012. Data analyses included prevalence rates, odds ratios, and Fisher exact tests of statistical significance.

Results

Ninety percent of children were born with no risk factors for hearing loss; of those, 99.9% demonstrated normal hearing by 3 years of age. Of the 10% of children born with risk factors, 96.3% demonstrated normal hearing by age 3, 1.4% presented with congenital hearing loss, and 2.3% demonstrated permanent hearing loss by age 3. Factors that placed children at the highest risk of congenital hearing impairment were neurodegenerative disorders, syndromes, and congenital infections. Factors that placed children at the highest risk of developing permanent postnatal hearing loss were congenital cytomegalovirus, syndromes, and craniofacial anomalies.

Conclusions

Certain risk factors place a child at significantly greater risk of congenital hearing impairment or developing permanent hearing loss by age 3. Follow-up diagnostic testing should remain a priority for children with certain risk factors for hearing loss.

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Considerations for Pediatric Cochlear Implant Recipients With Unilateral or Asymmetric Hearing Loss: Assessment, Device Fitting, and Habilitation

Purpose

The purpose of this clinical report is to present case studies of children who are nontraditional candidates for cochlear implantation because they have significant residual hearing in 1 ear and to describe outcomes and considerations for their audiological management and habilitation.

Method

Case information is presented for 5 children with profound hearing loss in 1 ear and normal or mild-to-moderate hearing loss in the opposite ear and who have undergone unilateral cochlear implantation. Pre- and postoperative assessments were performed per typical clinic routines with modifications described. Postimplant habilitation was customized for each recipient using a combination of traditional methods, newer technologies, and commercial materials.

Results

The 5 children included in this report are consistent users of their cochlear implants and demonstrate speech recognition in the implanted ear when isolated from the better hearing ear.

Conclusions

Candidacy criteria for cochlear implantation are evolving. Children with single-sided deafness or asymmetric hearing loss who have traditionally not been considered candidates for cochlear implantation should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Audiological management of these recipients is not vastly different compared with children who are traditional cochlear implant recipients. Assessment and habilitation techniques must be modified to isolate the implanted ear to obtain accurate results and to provide meaningful therapeutic intervention.

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Child–Adult Differences in Using Dual-Task Paradigms to Measure Listening Effort

Purpose

The purpose of the project was to investigate the effects modifying the secondary task in a dual-task paradigm to measure objective listening effort. To be specific, the complexity and depth of processing were increased relative to a simple secondary task.

Method

Three dual-task paradigms were developed for school-age children. The primary task was word recognition. The secondary task was a physical response to a visual probe (simple task), a physical response to a complex probe (increased complexity), or word categorization (increased depth of processing). Sixteen adults (22–32 years, M = 25.4) and 22 children (9–17 years, M = 13.2) were tested using the 3 paradigms in quiet and noise.

Results

For both groups, manipulations of the secondary task did not affect word recognition performance. For adults, increasing depth of processing increased the calculated effect of noise; however, for children, results with the deep secondary task were the least stable.

Conclusions

Manipulations of the secondary task differentially affected adults and children. Consistent with previous findings, increased depth of processing enhanced paradigm sensitivity for adults. However, younger participants were more likely to demonstrate the expected effects of noise on listening effort using a secondary task that did not require deep processing.

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The Influence of Social Support and Coping on Quality of Life Among Elderly With Age-Related Hearing Loss

Purpose

The consequences of hearing loss hinder the everyday life of older adults and are associated with reduced well-being. The research aim was to explore the influence of hearing problems, various coping strategies, and perceived social support on quality of life.

Method

Sixty-five older adults with age-related hearing loss (≥55 years) in Austria participated and completed a paper–pencil survey with standardized questionnaires: Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly (Ventry and Weinstein, 1982), Assessment for Coping and Stress (Laireiter, 1997), short form of the Social Support Questionnaire (Fydrich, Sommer, Tydecks, & Brähler, 2009), and World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale–Brief Version (World Health Organization, 1996).

Results

Quality of life was predicted by perceived social support and the number of comorbid diseases (i.e., the physical, psychological, environmental, and social quality of life was better the greater the extent of perceived social support and poorer the more diseases from which the participants suffered).

Conclusions

Perceived social support may be a relevant factor to focus on in auditory rehabilitation programs, in particular, for participants who communicate little support in hearing-related situations and are, hence, at a relative disadvantage. The involvement of significant others in counseling could facilitate the everyday life for older adults with age-related hearing loss and their significant others.

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The Relationship Between Iron Deficiency Anemia and Sensorineural Hearing Loss in the Pediatric and Adolescent Population

Purpose

A correlation between iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) was described in adults. In this study, we examined if there is a relationship between IDA and hearing loss in the pediatric population.

Method

This was a retrospective cohort study of data collected from the Informatics for Integrating Biology and the Bedside database from 2011 to 2016. Children and adolescents 4–21 years old seen at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, were examined for hearing loss and IDA status. Hearing loss was determined by International Classification of Disease-9 and -10 codes, and IDA was determined by both low hemoglobin and serum ferritin levels for age and sex.

Results

We identified 20,113 patients. Prevalence of hearing loss and IDA was 1.7% and 2.3%, respectively. The prevalence of all hearing loss was 3.0% in the IDA cohort and 1.7% in those without IDA. Children and adolescents with IDA are at increased odds of developing SNHL (adjusted odds ratio: 3.67, 95% CI [1.60–7.30]).

Conclusions

Children with IDA demonstrate increased likelihood of SNHL. Although correction of IDA in those with hearing loss has yet to be linked to improvements in hearing outcomes, screening for and correcting IDA among pediatric patients will positively affect overall health status. Supplemental Material: http://ift.tt/2t3KCpY

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Masthead

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Relationship Between Objectively Measured Physical Activity, Cardiovascular Disease Biomarkers, and Hearing Sensitivity Using Data From the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003–2006

Purpose

Limited research has examined the interrelationships among cardiometabolic parameters, physical activity, and hearing function, which was this study's purpose.

Method

Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003–2006 were used in the path analyses. Physical activity and hearing function were both objectively measured. Various cardiometabolic parameters were assessed from a blood sample. Adults 30–85 years (N = 1,070) constituted the analytic sample.

Results

Physical activity was negatively associated with triglycerides (β = −0.11, p p p p p = .99).

Conclusion

Physical activity was associated with select cardiovascular disease risk factors. Several cardiovascular disease risk factors were associated with hearing function.

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Evaluation of Hearing Sensitivity in Young Adults With Normal Hearing Using a 40-Hz Auditory Steady-State Response With CE-Chirp

Purpose

The present study aimed to measure hearing sensitivity in young adults with normal hearing using a 40-Hz auditory steady-state response with CE-Chirp and to evaluate the speed and accuracy of this method.

Method

Twelve young adults (1 man, 11 women; mean age = 22.1 ± 3.1 years) each completed two auditory steady-state response measurement sessions with CE-Chirp. The difference score was calculated at each of the four pure-tone frequencies. The measurement time and residual noise level in all stimulus levels were also determined.

Results

The difference scores across the 4 frequencies ranged within ±10 dB (1st: 58% to 71%, 2nd: 54% to 79%), within 20 dB (1st: 79% to 96%, 2nd: 79% to 100%), and ≥ 30 dB (1st: 4% to 17%, 2nd: 0% to 17%). The measurement times for both ears were approximately 20 min in both sessions. There was a significant correlation between the measurement time and the mean residual noise level for pooled frequencies in all stimulus levels (p = .0001249, r = .70). The measurement time was reduced by approximately 50% from conventional auditory steady-state response measurement.

Conclusion

The results of this preliminary study support the use of this technology as a rapid and accurate method for behavioral auditory threshold evaluation.

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Effect of Electrode Montage and Head Position on Air-Conducted Ocular Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential

Purpose

The purpose of this investigation was to identify the optimal recording parameters for evoking the ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potential (oVEMP) using air-conduction stimuli.

Method

Subjects were 17 otologically and neurologically intact adults (age: M = 24.18 years, SD = 1.91 years). The oVEMP responses were elicited using a 500-Hz tone burst air-conduction stimulus presented at an intensity of 95 dB nHL. The setting was a balance function laboratory that was part of a large tertiary care otology clinic.

Results

The oVEMP electrode montage and body position that yielded the largest oVEMP amplitude was the belly-tendon montage (Sandhu, George, & Rea, 2013), recorded with the subject in the sitting position. The N1 latency recorded with the belly-tendon montage was significantly shorter than that recorded for the infraorbital montage in both the sitting and supine positions.

Conclusion

The belly-tendon recording montage with the subject sitting yields significantly larger oVEMP amplitudes and shorter N1 latencies than do traditional bipolar infraorbital recordings.

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Changes in Psychosocial Measures After a 6-Week Field Trial

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to assess the extent to which intervention with hearing aids, namely, a 6-week hearing aid field trial, can minimize the psychosocial consequences of hearing loss in adults who have previously not sought treatment for their hearing loss.

Method

Twenty-four adults with mild to moderate bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, who had never worn hearing aids or sought help for their hearing loss, participated in this study. Participants were fitted with receiver-in-canal hearing aids, bilaterally, and wore them for 6 weeks. Participants completed subjective measures of hearing handicap and attitudes about hearing loss and hearing aids before, during, and after the hearing aid trial. A control group of age-matched participants followed the same experimental protocol, except they were not fitted with hearing aids.

Results

Using hearing aids for 6 weeks significantly reduced participants' perceived stigma of hearing aids, personal distress and inadequacy due to hearing difficulties, and hearing handicap.

Conclusions

A hearing aid trial can have a positive effect on a person's attitudes toward wearing hearing aids and decrease hearing handicap.

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2pl9mvZ
via IFTTT

Exploring Audiologists' Language and Hearing Aid Uptake in Initial Rehabilitation Appointments

Purpose

The study aimed (a) to profile audiologists' language during the diagnosis and management planning phase of hearing assessment appointments and (b) to explore associations between audiologists' language and patients' decisions to obtain hearing aids.

Method

Sixty-two audiologist–patient dyads participated. Patient participants were aged 55 years or older. Hearing assessment appointments were audiovisually recorded and transcribed for analysis. Audiologists' language was profiled using two measures: general language complexity and use of jargon. A binomial, multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to investigate the associations between these language measures and hearing aid uptake.

Results

The logistic regression model revealed that the Flesch–Kincaid reading grade level of audiologists' language was significantly associated with hearing aid uptake. Patients were less likely to obtain hearing aids when audiologists' language was at a higher reading grade level. No associations were found between audiologists' use of jargon and hearing aid uptake.

Conclusions

Audiologists' use of complex language may present a barrier for patients to understand hearing rehabilitation recommendations. Reduced understanding may limit patient participation in the decision-making process and result in patients being less willing to trial hearing aids. Clear, concise language is recommended to facilitate shared decision making.

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High Risk Factors Associated With Early Childhood Hearing Loss: A 3-Year Review

Purpose

In this study, we examined the association between risk factors for hearing loss and early childhood hearing status (normal hearing, congenital hearing loss, or delayed-onset hearing loss). Follow-up rates of audiologic care following passed or referred birth screens for children with risk factors were also examined.

Method

A retrospective data review was completed on 115,039 children born from 2010 to 2012. Data analyses included prevalence rates, odds ratios, and Fisher exact tests of statistical significance.

Results

Ninety percent of children were born with no risk factors for hearing loss; of those, 99.9% demonstrated normal hearing by 3 years of age. Of the 10% of children born with risk factors, 96.3% demonstrated normal hearing by age 3, 1.4% presented with congenital hearing loss, and 2.3% demonstrated permanent hearing loss by age 3. Factors that placed children at the highest risk of congenital hearing impairment were neurodegenerative disorders, syndromes, and congenital infections. Factors that placed children at the highest risk of developing permanent postnatal hearing loss were congenital cytomegalovirus, syndromes, and craniofacial anomalies.

Conclusions

Certain risk factors place a child at significantly greater risk of congenital hearing impairment or developing permanent hearing loss by age 3. Follow-up diagnostic testing should remain a priority for children with certain risk factors for hearing loss.

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Considerations for Pediatric Cochlear Implant Recipients With Unilateral or Asymmetric Hearing Loss: Assessment, Device Fitting, and Habilitation

Purpose

The purpose of this clinical report is to present case studies of children who are nontraditional candidates for cochlear implantation because they have significant residual hearing in 1 ear and to describe outcomes and considerations for their audiological management and habilitation.

Method

Case information is presented for 5 children with profound hearing loss in 1 ear and normal or mild-to-moderate hearing loss in the opposite ear and who have undergone unilateral cochlear implantation. Pre- and postoperative assessments were performed per typical clinic routines with modifications described. Postimplant habilitation was customized for each recipient using a combination of traditional methods, newer technologies, and commercial materials.

Results

The 5 children included in this report are consistent users of their cochlear implants and demonstrate speech recognition in the implanted ear when isolated from the better hearing ear.

Conclusions

Candidacy criteria for cochlear implantation are evolving. Children with single-sided deafness or asymmetric hearing loss who have traditionally not been considered candidates for cochlear implantation should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Audiological management of these recipients is not vastly different compared with children who are traditional cochlear implant recipients. Assessment and habilitation techniques must be modified to isolate the implanted ear to obtain accurate results and to provide meaningful therapeutic intervention.

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Child–Adult Differences in Using Dual-Task Paradigms to Measure Listening Effort

Purpose

The purpose of the project was to investigate the effects modifying the secondary task in a dual-task paradigm to measure objective listening effort. To be specific, the complexity and depth of processing were increased relative to a simple secondary task.

Method

Three dual-task paradigms were developed for school-age children. The primary task was word recognition. The secondary task was a physical response to a visual probe (simple task), a physical response to a complex probe (increased complexity), or word categorization (increased depth of processing). Sixteen adults (22–32 years, M = 25.4) and 22 children (9–17 years, M = 13.2) were tested using the 3 paradigms in quiet and noise.

Results

For both groups, manipulations of the secondary task did not affect word recognition performance. For adults, increasing depth of processing increased the calculated effect of noise; however, for children, results with the deep secondary task were the least stable.

Conclusions

Manipulations of the secondary task differentially affected adults and children. Consistent with previous findings, increased depth of processing enhanced paradigm sensitivity for adults. However, younger participants were more likely to demonstrate the expected effects of noise on listening effort using a secondary task that did not require deep processing.

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The Influence of Social Support and Coping on Quality of Life Among Elderly With Age-Related Hearing Loss

Purpose

The consequences of hearing loss hinder the everyday life of older adults and are associated with reduced well-being. The research aim was to explore the influence of hearing problems, various coping strategies, and perceived social support on quality of life.

Method

Sixty-five older adults with age-related hearing loss (≥55 years) in Austria participated and completed a paper–pencil survey with standardized questionnaires: Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly (Ventry and Weinstein, 1982), Assessment for Coping and Stress (Laireiter, 1997), short form of the Social Support Questionnaire (Fydrich, Sommer, Tydecks, & Brähler, 2009), and World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale–Brief Version (World Health Organization, 1996).

Results

Quality of life was predicted by perceived social support and the number of comorbid diseases (i.e., the physical, psychological, environmental, and social quality of life was better the greater the extent of perceived social support and poorer the more diseases from which the participants suffered).

Conclusions

Perceived social support may be a relevant factor to focus on in auditory rehabilitation programs, in particular, for participants who communicate little support in hearing-related situations and are, hence, at a relative disadvantage. The involvement of significant others in counseling could facilitate the everyday life for older adults with age-related hearing loss and their significant others.

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The Relationship Between Iron Deficiency Anemia and Sensorineural Hearing Loss in the Pediatric and Adolescent Population

Purpose

A correlation between iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) was described in adults. In this study, we examined if there is a relationship between IDA and hearing loss in the pediatric population.

Method

This was a retrospective cohort study of data collected from the Informatics for Integrating Biology and the Bedside database from 2011 to 2016. Children and adolescents 4–21 years old seen at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, were examined for hearing loss and IDA status. Hearing loss was determined by International Classification of Disease-9 and -10 codes, and IDA was determined by both low hemoglobin and serum ferritin levels for age and sex.

Results

We identified 20,113 patients. Prevalence of hearing loss and IDA was 1.7% and 2.3%, respectively. The prevalence of all hearing loss was 3.0% in the IDA cohort and 1.7% in those without IDA. Children and adolescents with IDA are at increased odds of developing SNHL (adjusted odds ratio: 3.67, 95% CI [1.60–7.30]).

Conclusions

Children with IDA demonstrate increased likelihood of SNHL. Although correction of IDA in those with hearing loss has yet to be linked to improvements in hearing outcomes, screening for and correcting IDA among pediatric patients will positively affect overall health status. Supplemental Material: http://ift.tt/2t3KCpY

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Masthead

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Relationship Between Objectively Measured Physical Activity, Cardiovascular Disease Biomarkers, and Hearing Sensitivity Using Data From the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003–2006

Purpose

Limited research has examined the interrelationships among cardiometabolic parameters, physical activity, and hearing function, which was this study's purpose.

Method

Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003–2006 were used in the path analyses. Physical activity and hearing function were both objectively measured. Various cardiometabolic parameters were assessed from a blood sample. Adults 30–85 years (N = 1,070) constituted the analytic sample.

Results

Physical activity was negatively associated with triglycerides (β = −0.11, p p p p p = .99).

Conclusion

Physical activity was associated with select cardiovascular disease risk factors. Several cardiovascular disease risk factors were associated with hearing function.

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Evaluation of Hearing Sensitivity in Young Adults With Normal Hearing Using a 40-Hz Auditory Steady-State Response With CE-Chirp

Purpose

The present study aimed to measure hearing sensitivity in young adults with normal hearing using a 40-Hz auditory steady-state response with CE-Chirp and to evaluate the speed and accuracy of this method.

Method

Twelve young adults (1 man, 11 women; mean age = 22.1 ± 3.1 years) each completed two auditory steady-state response measurement sessions with CE-Chirp. The difference score was calculated at each of the four pure-tone frequencies. The measurement time and residual noise level in all stimulus levels were also determined.

Results

The difference scores across the 4 frequencies ranged within ±10 dB (1st: 58% to 71%, 2nd: 54% to 79%), within 20 dB (1st: 79% to 96%, 2nd: 79% to 100%), and ≥ 30 dB (1st: 4% to 17%, 2nd: 0% to 17%). The measurement times for both ears were approximately 20 min in both sessions. There was a significant correlation between the measurement time and the mean residual noise level for pooled frequencies in all stimulus levels (p = .0001249, r = .70). The measurement time was reduced by approximately 50% from conventional auditory steady-state response measurement.

Conclusion

The results of this preliminary study support the use of this technology as a rapid and accurate method for behavioral auditory threshold evaluation.

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via IFTTT

Effect of Electrode Montage and Head Position on Air-Conducted Ocular Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential

Purpose

The purpose of this investigation was to identify the optimal recording parameters for evoking the ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potential (oVEMP) using air-conduction stimuli.

Method

Subjects were 17 otologically and neurologically intact adults (age: M = 24.18 years, SD = 1.91 years). The oVEMP responses were elicited using a 500-Hz tone burst air-conduction stimulus presented at an intensity of 95 dB nHL. The setting was a balance function laboratory that was part of a large tertiary care otology clinic.

Results

The oVEMP electrode montage and body position that yielded the largest oVEMP amplitude was the belly-tendon montage (Sandhu, George, & Rea, 2013), recorded with the subject in the sitting position. The N1 latency recorded with the belly-tendon montage was significantly shorter than that recorded for the infraorbital montage in both the sitting and supine positions.

Conclusion

The belly-tendon recording montage with the subject sitting yields significantly larger oVEMP amplitudes and shorter N1 latencies than do traditional bipolar infraorbital recordings.

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Changes in Psychosocial Measures After a 6-Week Field Trial

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to assess the extent to which intervention with hearing aids, namely, a 6-week hearing aid field trial, can minimize the psychosocial consequences of hearing loss in adults who have previously not sought treatment for their hearing loss.

Method

Twenty-four adults with mild to moderate bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, who had never worn hearing aids or sought help for their hearing loss, participated in this study. Participants were fitted with receiver-in-canal hearing aids, bilaterally, and wore them for 6 weeks. Participants completed subjective measures of hearing handicap and attitudes about hearing loss and hearing aids before, during, and after the hearing aid trial. A control group of age-matched participants followed the same experimental protocol, except they were not fitted with hearing aids.

Results

Using hearing aids for 6 weeks significantly reduced participants' perceived stigma of hearing aids, personal distress and inadequacy due to hearing difficulties, and hearing handicap.

Conclusions

A hearing aid trial can have a positive effect on a person's attitudes toward wearing hearing aids and decrease hearing handicap.

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Exploring Audiologists' Language and Hearing Aid Uptake in Initial Rehabilitation Appointments

Purpose

The study aimed (a) to profile audiologists' language during the diagnosis and management planning phase of hearing assessment appointments and (b) to explore associations between audiologists' language and patients' decisions to obtain hearing aids.

Method

Sixty-two audiologist–patient dyads participated. Patient participants were aged 55 years or older. Hearing assessment appointments were audiovisually recorded and transcribed for analysis. Audiologists' language was profiled using two measures: general language complexity and use of jargon. A binomial, multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to investigate the associations between these language measures and hearing aid uptake.

Results

The logistic regression model revealed that the Flesch–Kincaid reading grade level of audiologists' language was significantly associated with hearing aid uptake. Patients were less likely to obtain hearing aids when audiologists' language was at a higher reading grade level. No associations were found between audiologists' use of jargon and hearing aid uptake.

Conclusions

Audiologists' use of complex language may present a barrier for patients to understand hearing rehabilitation recommendations. Reduced understanding may limit patient participation in the decision-making process and result in patients being less willing to trial hearing aids. Clear, concise language is recommended to facilitate shared decision making.

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High Risk Factors Associated With Early Childhood Hearing Loss: A 3-Year Review

Purpose

In this study, we examined the association between risk factors for hearing loss and early childhood hearing status (normal hearing, congenital hearing loss, or delayed-onset hearing loss). Follow-up rates of audiologic care following passed or referred birth screens for children with risk factors were also examined.

Method

A retrospective data review was completed on 115,039 children born from 2010 to 2012. Data analyses included prevalence rates, odds ratios, and Fisher exact tests of statistical significance.

Results

Ninety percent of children were born with no risk factors for hearing loss; of those, 99.9% demonstrated normal hearing by 3 years of age. Of the 10% of children born with risk factors, 96.3% demonstrated normal hearing by age 3, 1.4% presented with congenital hearing loss, and 2.3% demonstrated permanent hearing loss by age 3. Factors that placed children at the highest risk of congenital hearing impairment were neurodegenerative disorders, syndromes, and congenital infections. Factors that placed children at the highest risk of developing permanent postnatal hearing loss were congenital cytomegalovirus, syndromes, and craniofacial anomalies.

Conclusions

Certain risk factors place a child at significantly greater risk of congenital hearing impairment or developing permanent hearing loss by age 3. Follow-up diagnostic testing should remain a priority for children with certain risk factors for hearing loss.

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Considerations for Pediatric Cochlear Implant Recipients With Unilateral or Asymmetric Hearing Loss: Assessment, Device Fitting, and Habilitation

Purpose

The purpose of this clinical report is to present case studies of children who are nontraditional candidates for cochlear implantation because they have significant residual hearing in 1 ear and to describe outcomes and considerations for their audiological management and habilitation.

Method

Case information is presented for 5 children with profound hearing loss in 1 ear and normal or mild-to-moderate hearing loss in the opposite ear and who have undergone unilateral cochlear implantation. Pre- and postoperative assessments were performed per typical clinic routines with modifications described. Postimplant habilitation was customized for each recipient using a combination of traditional methods, newer technologies, and commercial materials.

Results

The 5 children included in this report are consistent users of their cochlear implants and demonstrate speech recognition in the implanted ear when isolated from the better hearing ear.

Conclusions

Candidacy criteria for cochlear implantation are evolving. Children with single-sided deafness or asymmetric hearing loss who have traditionally not been considered candidates for cochlear implantation should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Audiological management of these recipients is not vastly different compared with children who are traditional cochlear implant recipients. Assessment and habilitation techniques must be modified to isolate the implanted ear to obtain accurate results and to provide meaningful therapeutic intervention.

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Child–Adult Differences in Using Dual-Task Paradigms to Measure Listening Effort

Purpose

The purpose of the project was to investigate the effects modifying the secondary task in a dual-task paradigm to measure objective listening effort. To be specific, the complexity and depth of processing were increased relative to a simple secondary task.

Method

Three dual-task paradigms were developed for school-age children. The primary task was word recognition. The secondary task was a physical response to a visual probe (simple task), a physical response to a complex probe (increased complexity), or word categorization (increased depth of processing). Sixteen adults (22–32 years, M = 25.4) and 22 children (9–17 years, M = 13.2) were tested using the 3 paradigms in quiet and noise.

Results

For both groups, manipulations of the secondary task did not affect word recognition performance. For adults, increasing depth of processing increased the calculated effect of noise; however, for children, results with the deep secondary task were the least stable.

Conclusions

Manipulations of the secondary task differentially affected adults and children. Consistent with previous findings, increased depth of processing enhanced paradigm sensitivity for adults. However, younger participants were more likely to demonstrate the expected effects of noise on listening effort using a secondary task that did not require deep processing.

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The Influence of Social Support and Coping on Quality of Life Among Elderly With Age-Related Hearing Loss

Purpose

The consequences of hearing loss hinder the everyday life of older adults and are associated with reduced well-being. The research aim was to explore the influence of hearing problems, various coping strategies, and perceived social support on quality of life.

Method

Sixty-five older adults with age-related hearing loss (≥55 years) in Austria participated and completed a paper–pencil survey with standardized questionnaires: Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly (Ventry and Weinstein, 1982), Assessment for Coping and Stress (Laireiter, 1997), short form of the Social Support Questionnaire (Fydrich, Sommer, Tydecks, & Brähler, 2009), and World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale–Brief Version (World Health Organization, 1996).

Results

Quality of life was predicted by perceived social support and the number of comorbid diseases (i.e., the physical, psychological, environmental, and social quality of life was better the greater the extent of perceived social support and poorer the more diseases from which the participants suffered).

Conclusions

Perceived social support may be a relevant factor to focus on in auditory rehabilitation programs, in particular, for participants who communicate little support in hearing-related situations and are, hence, at a relative disadvantage. The involvement of significant others in counseling could facilitate the everyday life for older adults with age-related hearing loss and their significant others.

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The Relationship Between Iron Deficiency Anemia and Sensorineural Hearing Loss in the Pediatric and Adolescent Population

Purpose

A correlation between iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) was described in adults. In this study, we examined if there is a relationship between IDA and hearing loss in the pediatric population.

Method

This was a retrospective cohort study of data collected from the Informatics for Integrating Biology and the Bedside database from 2011 to 2016. Children and adolescents 4–21 years old seen at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, were examined for hearing loss and IDA status. Hearing loss was determined by International Classification of Disease-9 and -10 codes, and IDA was determined by both low hemoglobin and serum ferritin levels for age and sex.

Results

We identified 20,113 patients. Prevalence of hearing loss and IDA was 1.7% and 2.3%, respectively. The prevalence of all hearing loss was 3.0% in the IDA cohort and 1.7% in those without IDA. Children and adolescents with IDA are at increased odds of developing SNHL (adjusted odds ratio: 3.67, 95% CI [1.60–7.30]).

Conclusions

Children with IDA demonstrate increased likelihood of SNHL. Although correction of IDA in those with hearing loss has yet to be linked to improvements in hearing outcomes, screening for and correcting IDA among pediatric patients will positively affect overall health status. Supplemental Material: http://ift.tt/2t3KCpY

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Masthead

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Relationship Between Objectively Measured Physical Activity, Cardiovascular Disease Biomarkers, and Hearing Sensitivity Using Data From the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003–2006

Purpose

Limited research has examined the interrelationships among cardiometabolic parameters, physical activity, and hearing function, which was this study's purpose.

Method

Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003–2006 were used in the path analyses. Physical activity and hearing function were both objectively measured. Various cardiometabolic parameters were assessed from a blood sample. Adults 30–85 years (N = 1,070) constituted the analytic sample.

Results

Physical activity was negatively associated with triglycerides (β = −0.11, p p p p p = .99).

Conclusion

Physical activity was associated with select cardiovascular disease risk factors. Several cardiovascular disease risk factors were associated with hearing function.

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Evaluation of Hearing Sensitivity in Young Adults With Normal Hearing Using a 40-Hz Auditory Steady-State Response With CE-Chirp

Purpose

The present study aimed to measure hearing sensitivity in young adults with normal hearing using a 40-Hz auditory steady-state response with CE-Chirp and to evaluate the speed and accuracy of this method.

Method

Twelve young adults (1 man, 11 women; mean age = 22.1 ± 3.1 years) each completed two auditory steady-state response measurement sessions with CE-Chirp. The difference score was calculated at each of the four pure-tone frequencies. The measurement time and residual noise level in all stimulus levels were also determined.

Results

The difference scores across the 4 frequencies ranged within ±10 dB (1st: 58% to 71%, 2nd: 54% to 79%), within 20 dB (1st: 79% to 96%, 2nd: 79% to 100%), and ≥ 30 dB (1st: 4% to 17%, 2nd: 0% to 17%). The measurement times for both ears were approximately 20 min in both sessions. There was a significant correlation between the measurement time and the mean residual noise level for pooled frequencies in all stimulus levels (p = .0001249, r = .70). The measurement time was reduced by approximately 50% from conventional auditory steady-state response measurement.

Conclusion

The results of this preliminary study support the use of this technology as a rapid and accurate method for behavioral auditory threshold evaluation.

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Self-reported occupational noise may be associated with prevalent chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in the us general population

Angel M Dzhambov, Donka D Dimitrova

Noise and Health 2017 19(88):115-124

Introduction: Occupational noise exposure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are common in the United States, but so far their association has not been explored. Given the neuroimmunological effects of noise, such an association seems plausible. Thus, the present study aimed to explore the association of occupational noise exposure with prevalent COPD in the US general population. Materials and Methods: We used data from the population-based National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) 2014. The cross-sectional association of self-reported duration of exposure to very loud noise during participants’ occupational lifetime with self-reported COPD and emphysema was explored using weighted logistic regression. Results and Discussion: The fully adjusted model yielded odds ratio (OR)≥15 years = 1.68 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.28, 2.21] for COPD and OR≥15 years = 1.61 (95% CI: 1.13, 2.30) for emphysema. Race/ethnicity was a significant effect modifier. In sensitivity analysis with cumulative noise exposure based on a job exposure matrix, we found no effect. Conclusion: In conclusion, we found a relationship between self-reported occupational noise exposure and the risk of prevalent COPD in the US general population, but none with objective noise levels. Being the first study on the subject matter, and given the design limitations, these findings are tentative and should be treated with caution.

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Inhibitory effects of low decibel infrasound on the cardiac fibroblasts and the involved mechanism

Wei Jin, Qin-Qin Deng, Bao-Ying Chen, Zhen-Xing Lu, Qing Li, Hai-Kang Zhao, Pan Chang, Jun Yu, Zhao-Hui Pei

Noise and Health 2017 19(88):149-153

Introduction: Infrasound is a mechanical vibration wave with frequency between 0.0001 and 20 Hz. It has been established that infrasound of 120 dB or stronger is dangerous to humans. However, the biological effects of low decibel infrasound are largely unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of low decibel infrasound on the cardiac fibroblasts. Materials and Methods: The cardiac fibroblasts were isolated and cultured from Sprague–Dawley rats. The cultured cells were assigned into the following four groups: control group, angiotensin II (Ang II) group, infrasound group, and Ang II+infrasound group. The cell proliferation and collagen synthesis rates were evaluated by means of [3H]-thymidine and [3H]-proline incorporation, respectively. The levels of TGF-β were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Moreover, RNAi approaches were used for the analysis of the biological functions of miR-29a, and the phosphorylation status of Smad3 was detected using western blotting analysis. Results: The results showed that low decibel infrasound significantly alleviated Ang II-induced enhancement of cell proliferation and collagen synthesis. Discussion: Compared with the control, Ang II markedly decreased the expression of miR-29a levels and increased the secretion of TGF-β and phosphorylation of Smad3, which was partly reversed by the treatment with low decibel infrasound. Importantly, knockdown of miR-29a diminished the effects of infrasound on the cardiac fibroblasts. In conclusion, low decibel infrasound inhibits Ang II-stimulated cardiac fibroblasts via miR-29a targeting TGF-β/Smad3 signaling.

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Headphone listening habits and hearing thresholds in swedish adolescents

Stephen E Widen, Sara Båsjö, Claes Möller, Kim Kähäri

Noise and Health 2017 19(88):125-132

Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate self-reported hearing and portable music listening habits, measured hearing function and music exposure levels in Swedish adolescents. The study was divided into two parts. Materials and Methods: The first part included 280 adolescents, who were 17 years of age and focused on self-reported data on subjective hearing problems and listening habits regarding portable music players. From this group, 50 adolescents volunteered to participate in Part II of the study, which focused on audiological measurements and measured listening volume. Results: The results indicated that longer lifetime exposure in years and increased listening frequency were associated with poorer hearing thresholds and more self-reported hearing problems. A tendency was found for listening to louder volumes and poorer hearing thresholds. Women reported more subjective hearing problems compared with men but exhibited better hearing thresholds. In contrast, men reported more use of personal music devices, and they listen at higher volumes. Discussion: Additionally, the study shows that adolescents listening for ≥3 h at every occasion more likely had tinnitus. Those listening at ≥85 dB LAeq, FF and listening every day exhibited poorer mean hearing thresholds, reported more subjective hearing problems and listened more frequently in school and while sleeping. Conclusion: Although the vast majority listened at moderate sound levels and for shorter periods of time, the study also indicates that there is a subgroup (10%) that listens between 90 and 100 dB for longer periods of time, even during sleep. This group might be at risk for developing future noise-induced hearing impairments.

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Evidence of associations between brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) serum levels and gene polymorphisms with tinnitus

Aysun Coskunoglu, Seda Orenay-Boyacioglu, Artuner Deveci, Mustafa Bayam, Ece Onur, Arzu Onan, Fethi S Cam

Noise and Health 2017 19(88):140-148

Background: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene polymorphisms are associated with abnormalities in regulation of BDNF secretion. Studies also linked BDNF polymorphisms with changes in brainstem auditory-evoked response test results. Furthermore, BDNF levels are reduced in tinnitus, psychiatric disorders, depression, dysthymic disorder that may be associated with stress, conversion disorder, and suicide attempts due to crises of life. For this purpose, we investigated whether there is any role of BDNF changes in the pathophysiology of tinnitus. Materials and Methods: In this study, we examined the possible effects of BDNF variants in individuals diagnosed with tinnitus for more than 3 months. Fifty-two tinnitus subjects between the ages of 18 and 55, and 42 years healthy control subjects in the same age group, who were free of any otorhinolaryngology and systemic disease, were selected for examination. The intensity of tinnitus and depression was measured using the tinnitus handicap inventory, and the differential diagnosis of psychiatric diagnoses made using the Structured Clinical Interview for Fourth Edition of Mental Disorders. BDNF gene polymorphism was analyzed in the genomic deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) samples extracted from the venous blood, and the serum levels of BDNF were measured. One-way analysis of variance and Chi-squared tests were applied. Results: Serum BDNF level was found lower in the tinnitus patients than controls, and it appeared that there is no correlation between BDNF gene polymorphism and tinnitus. Conclusions: This study suggests neurotrophic factors such as BDNF may have a role in tinnitus etiology. Future studies with larger sample size may be required to further confirm our results.

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Time course of cell death due to acoustic overstimulation in the mouse medial geniculate body and primary auditory cortex

Felix Frohlich, Dietmar Basta, Ira Strübing, Arne Ernst, Moritz Gröschel

Noise and Health 2017 19(88):133-139

It has previously been shown that acoustic overstimulation induces cell death and extensive cell loss in key structures of the central auditory pathway. A correlation between noise-induced apoptosis and cell loss was hypothesized for the cochlear nucleus and colliculus inferior. To determine the role of cell death in noise-induced cell loss in thalamic and cortical structures, the present mouse study (NMRI strain) describes the time course following noise exposure of cell death mechanisms for the ventral medial geniculate body (vMGB), medial MGB (mMGB), and dorsal MGB (dMGB) and the six histological layers of the primary auditory cortex (AI 1–6). Therefore, a terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dioxyuridine triphosphate nick-end labeling assay (TUNEL) was performed in these structures 24 h, 7 days, and 14 days after noise exposure (3 h, 115 dB sound pressure level, 5–20 kHz), as well as in unexposed controls. In the dMGB, TUNEL was statistically significant elevated 24 h postexposure. AI-1 showed a decrease in TUNEL after 14 days. There was no statistically significant difference between groups for the other brain areas investigated. dMGB’s widespread connection within the central auditory pathway and its nontonotopical organization might explain its prominent increase in TUNEL compared to the other MGB subdivisions and the AI. It is assumed that the onset and peak of noise-induced cell death is delayed in higher areas of the central auditory pathway and takes place between 24 h and 7 days postexposure in thalamic and cortical structures.

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Assessment of spatial and physical neighborhood characteristics that influence sound quality and herewith well-being and health

Jeroen Devilee, Elise van Kempen, Wim Swart, Irene van Kamp, Caroline Ameling

Noise and Health 2017 19(88):154-164

Environmental noise and health studies seldom address the positive effect of environments with high acoustic quality. Sound quality, in turn, is influenced by a large number of factors, including the spatial–physical characteristics of a neighborhood. In general, these characteristics cannot be retrieved from existing databases. In this article, we describe the design of an audit instrument and demonstrate its value for gathering information about these characteristics of neighborhoods. The audit instrument used was derived from research in other fields than environmental health. The instrument was tested in 33 neighborhoods in the Dutch cities of Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Arnhem. In these neighborhoods, more or less homogeneous subareas were identified that were subject of the audit. The results show that the audit approach is suitable to gather neighborhood data that are relevant for the sound quality of neighborhoods. Together with survey data, they provide information that could further the field of soundscape and health. Several suggestions for improvement of the audit instrument were made.

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Identification of Swallowing Tasks From a Modified Barium Swallow Study That Optimize the Detection of Physiological Impairment

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to identify which swallowing task(s) yielded the worst performance during a standardized modified barium swallow study (MBSS) in order to optimize the detection of swallowing impairment.

Method

This secondary data analysis of adult MBSSs estimated the probability of each swallowing task yielding the derived Modified Barium Swallow Impairment Profile (MBSImP™©; Martin-Harris et al., 2008) Overall Impression (OI; worst) scores using generalized estimating equations. The range of probabilities across swallowing tasks was calculated to discern which swallowing task(s) yielded the worst performance.

Results

Large-volume, thin-liquid swallowing tasks had the highest probabilities of yielding the OI scores for oral containment and airway protection. The cookie swallowing task was most likely to yield OI scores for oral clearance. Several swallowing tasks had nearly equal probabilities (≤ .20) of yielding the OI score.

Conclusions

The MBSS must represent impairment while requiring boluses that challenge the swallowing system. No single swallowing task had a sufficiently high probability to yield the identification of the worst score for each physiological component. Omission of swallowing tasks will likely fail to capture the most severe impairment for physiological components critical for safe and efficient swallowing. Results provide further support for standardized, well-tested protocols during MBSS.

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Elementary School Teachers' Vocal Dose: Muscle Bioenergetics and Training Implications

Purpose

Translating exercise-science methodology for determination of muscle bioenergetics, we hypothesized that the temporal voice-use patterns for classroom and music teachers would indicate a reliance on the immediate energy system for laryngeal skeletal-muscle metabolism. It was hypothesized that the music-teacher group would produce longer voiced segments than the classroom teachers.

Method

Using a between- and within-group multivariate analysis-of-variance design (5 classroom teachers; 7 music teachers), we analyzed fundamental-frequency data—collected via an ambulatory phonation monitor—for length (seconds) of voiced and nonvoiced intervals. Data were collected for 7.5 hr during the workday, over the course of several workdays for each teacher.

Results

Descriptive analyses of voiced and nonvoiced intervals indicated that over 99% of voiced segments for both groups were no longer than 3.15 s, supporting the hypothesis of reliance on the immediate energy system for muscle bioenergetics. Significant differences were identified between and within the classroom- and music-teacher groups, with the music-teacher group producing longer voiced segments overall.

Conclusions

Knowledge of probable intrinsic laryngeal skeletal-muscle bioenergetics requirements could inform new interdisciplinary considerations for voice habilitation and rehabilitation.

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Using Network Science Measures to Predict the Lexical Decision Performance of Adults Who Stutter

Purpose

Methods from network science have examined various aspects of language processing. Clinical populations may also benefit from these novel analyses. Phonological and lexical factors have been examined in adults who stutter (AWS) as potential contributing factors to stuttering, although differences reported are often subtle. We reexamined the performance of AWS and adults who do not stutter (AWNS) from a previously conducted lexical decision task in an attempt to determine if network science measures would provide additional insight into the phonological network of AWS beyond traditional psycholinguistic measures.

Method

Multiple regression was used to examine the influence of several traditional psycholinguistic measures as well as several new measures from network science on response times.

Results

AWS responded to low-frequency words more slowly than AWNS; responses for both groups were equivalent for high-frequency words. AWS responded to shorter words more slowly than AWNS, producing a reverse word-length effect. For the network measures, degree/neighborhood density and closeness centrality, but not whether a word was inside or outside the giant component, influenced response times similarly between groups.

Conclusions

Network analyses suggest that multiple levels of the phonological network might influence phonological processing, not just the micro-level traditionally considered by mainstream psycholinguistics.

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Identification of Swallowing Tasks From a Modified Barium Swallow Study That Optimize the Detection of Physiological Impairment

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to identify which swallowing task(s) yielded the worst performance during a standardized modified barium swallow study (MBSS) in order to optimize the detection of swallowing impairment.

Method

This secondary data analysis of adult MBSSs estimated the probability of each swallowing task yielding the derived Modified Barium Swallow Impairment Profile (MBSImP™©; Martin-Harris et al., 2008) Overall Impression (OI; worst) scores using generalized estimating equations. The range of probabilities across swallowing tasks was calculated to discern which swallowing task(s) yielded the worst performance.

Results

Large-volume, thin-liquid swallowing tasks had the highest probabilities of yielding the OI scores for oral containment and airway protection. The cookie swallowing task was most likely to yield OI scores for oral clearance. Several swallowing tasks had nearly equal probabilities (≤ .20) of yielding the OI score.

Conclusions

The MBSS must represent impairment while requiring boluses that challenge the swallowing system. No single swallowing task had a sufficiently high probability to yield the identification of the worst score for each physiological component. Omission of swallowing tasks will likely fail to capture the most severe impairment for physiological components critical for safe and efficient swallowing. Results provide further support for standardized, well-tested protocols during MBSS.

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Elementary School Teachers' Vocal Dose: Muscle Bioenergetics and Training Implications

Purpose

Translating exercise-science methodology for determination of muscle bioenergetics, we hypothesized that the temporal voice-use patterns for classroom and music teachers would indicate a reliance on the immediate energy system for laryngeal skeletal-muscle metabolism. It was hypothesized that the music-teacher group would produce longer voiced segments than the classroom teachers.

Method

Using a between- and within-group multivariate analysis-of-variance design (5 classroom teachers; 7 music teachers), we analyzed fundamental-frequency data—collected via an ambulatory phonation monitor—for length (seconds) of voiced and nonvoiced intervals. Data were collected for 7.5 hr during the workday, over the course of several workdays for each teacher.

Results

Descriptive analyses of voiced and nonvoiced intervals indicated that over 99% of voiced segments for both groups were no longer than 3.15 s, supporting the hypothesis of reliance on the immediate energy system for muscle bioenergetics. Significant differences were identified between and within the classroom- and music-teacher groups, with the music-teacher group producing longer voiced segments overall.

Conclusions

Knowledge of probable intrinsic laryngeal skeletal-muscle bioenergetics requirements could inform new interdisciplinary considerations for voice habilitation and rehabilitation.

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Using Network Science Measures to Predict the Lexical Decision Performance of Adults Who Stutter

Purpose

Methods from network science have examined various aspects of language processing. Clinical populations may also benefit from these novel analyses. Phonological and lexical factors have been examined in adults who stutter (AWS) as potential contributing factors to stuttering, although differences reported are often subtle. We reexamined the performance of AWS and adults who do not stutter (AWNS) from a previously conducted lexical decision task in an attempt to determine if network science measures would provide additional insight into the phonological network of AWS beyond traditional psycholinguistic measures.

Method

Multiple regression was used to examine the influence of several traditional psycholinguistic measures as well as several new measures from network science on response times.

Results

AWS responded to low-frequency words more slowly than AWNS; responses for both groups were equivalent for high-frequency words. AWS responded to shorter words more slowly than AWNS, producing a reverse word-length effect. For the network measures, degree/neighborhood density and closeness centrality, but not whether a word was inside or outside the giant component, influenced response times similarly between groups.

Conclusions

Network analyses suggest that multiple levels of the phonological network might influence phonological processing, not just the micro-level traditionally considered by mainstream psycholinguistics.

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Identification of Swallowing Tasks From a Modified Barium Swallow Study That Optimize the Detection of Physiological Impairment

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to identify which swallowing task(s) yielded the worst performance during a standardized modified barium swallow study (MBSS) in order to optimize the detection of swallowing impairment.

Method

This secondary data analysis of adult MBSSs estimated the probability of each swallowing task yielding the derived Modified Barium Swallow Impairment Profile (MBSImP™©; Martin-Harris et al., 2008) Overall Impression (OI; worst) scores using generalized estimating equations. The range of probabilities across swallowing tasks was calculated to discern which swallowing task(s) yielded the worst performance.

Results

Large-volume, thin-liquid swallowing tasks had the highest probabilities of yielding the OI scores for oral containment and airway protection. The cookie swallowing task was most likely to yield OI scores for oral clearance. Several swallowing tasks had nearly equal probabilities (≤ .20) of yielding the OI score.

Conclusions

The MBSS must represent impairment while requiring boluses that challenge the swallowing system. No single swallowing task had a sufficiently high probability to yield the identification of the worst score for each physiological component. Omission of swallowing tasks will likely fail to capture the most severe impairment for physiological components critical for safe and efficient swallowing. Results provide further support for standardized, well-tested protocols during MBSS.

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Elementary School Teachers' Vocal Dose: Muscle Bioenergetics and Training Implications

Purpose

Translating exercise-science methodology for determination of muscle bioenergetics, we hypothesized that the temporal voice-use patterns for classroom and music teachers would indicate a reliance on the immediate energy system for laryngeal skeletal-muscle metabolism. It was hypothesized that the music-teacher group would produce longer voiced segments than the classroom teachers.

Method

Using a between- and within-group multivariate analysis-of-variance design (5 classroom teachers; 7 music teachers), we analyzed fundamental-frequency data—collected via an ambulatory phonation monitor—for length (seconds) of voiced and nonvoiced intervals. Data were collected for 7.5 hr during the workday, over the course of several workdays for each teacher.

Results

Descriptive analyses of voiced and nonvoiced intervals indicated that over 99% of voiced segments for both groups were no longer than 3.15 s, supporting the hypothesis of reliance on the immediate energy system for muscle bioenergetics. Significant differences were identified between and within the classroom- and music-teacher groups, with the music-teacher group producing longer voiced segments overall.

Conclusions

Knowledge of probable intrinsic laryngeal skeletal-muscle bioenergetics requirements could inform new interdisciplinary considerations for voice habilitation and rehabilitation.

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Using Network Science Measures to Predict the Lexical Decision Performance of Adults Who Stutter

Purpose

Methods from network science have examined various aspects of language processing. Clinical populations may also benefit from these novel analyses. Phonological and lexical factors have been examined in adults who stutter (AWS) as potential contributing factors to stuttering, although differences reported are often subtle. We reexamined the performance of AWS and adults who do not stutter (AWNS) from a previously conducted lexical decision task in an attempt to determine if network science measures would provide additional insight into the phonological network of AWS beyond traditional psycholinguistic measures.

Method

Multiple regression was used to examine the influence of several traditional psycholinguistic measures as well as several new measures from network science on response times.

Results

AWS responded to low-frequency words more slowly than AWNS; responses for both groups were equivalent for high-frequency words. AWS responded to shorter words more slowly than AWNS, producing a reverse word-length effect. For the network measures, degree/neighborhood density and closeness centrality, but not whether a word was inside or outside the giant component, influenced response times similarly between groups.

Conclusions

Network analyses suggest that multiple levels of the phonological network might influence phonological processing, not just the micro-level traditionally considered by mainstream psycholinguistics.

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Dynamic Assessment for 3- and 4-Year-Old Children Who Use Augmentative and Alternative Communication: Evaluating Expressive Syntax

Purpose

The developmental readiness to produce early sentences with an iPad communication application was assessed with ten 3- and 4-year-old children with severe speech disorders using graduated prompting dynamic assessment (DA) techniques. The participants' changes in performance within the DA sessions were evaluated, and DA performance was compared with performance during a subsequent intervention.

Method

Descriptive statistics were used to examine patterns of performance at various cueing levels and mean levels of cueing support. The Wilcoxon signed-ranks test was used to measure changes within the DA sessions. Correlational data were calculated to determine how well performance in DA predicted performance during a subsequent intervention.

Results

Participants produced targets successfully in DA at various cueing levels, with some targets requiring less cueing than others. Performance improved significantly within the DA sessions—that is, the level of cueing required for accurate productions of the targets decreased during DA sessions. Last, moderate correlations existed between DA scores and performance during the intervention for 3 out of 4 targets, with statistically significant findings for 2 of 4 targets.

Conclusion

DA offers promise for examining the developmental readiness of young children who use augmentative and alternative communication to produce early expressive language structures.

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Early Sentence Productions of 3- and 4-Year-Old Children Who Use Augmentative and Alternative Communication

Purpose

This study investigated the early rule-based sentence productions of 3- and 4-year-old children with severe speech disorders who used single-meaning graphic symbols to communicate.

Method

Ten 3- and 4-year-olds requiring the use of augmentative and alternative communication, who had largely intact receptive language skills, received instruction in producing up to four different semantic–syntactic targets using an Apple iPad with a communication app. A single-case, multiple-probe, across-targets design was used to assess the progress of each participant and target. Generalization to new vocabulary was assessed, and a subgroup also was taught to produce sentences using grammatical markers.

Results

Some targets (primarily possessor-entity) were mastered in the baseline phase, and the majority of the remaining targets were mastered during intervention. All four children who completed intervention for grammatical markers quickly learned to use the markers accurately.

Conclusions

Expressive language potential for preschoolers using graphic symbol–based augmentative and alternative communication systems should not be underestimated. With appropriate presentation and intervention techniques, some preschoolers with profound speech disorders can readily learn to produce rule-based messages via graphic symbols.

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Dynamic Assessment for 3- and 4-Year-Old Children Who Use Augmentative and Alternative Communication: Evaluating Expressive Syntax

Purpose

The developmental readiness to produce early sentences with an iPad communication application was assessed with ten 3- and 4-year-old children with severe speech disorders using graduated prompting dynamic assessment (DA) techniques. The participants' changes in performance within the DA sessions were evaluated, and DA performance was compared with performance during a subsequent intervention.

Method

Descriptive statistics were used to examine patterns of performance at various cueing levels and mean levels of cueing support. The Wilcoxon signed-ranks test was used to measure changes within the DA sessions. Correlational data were calculated to determine how well performance in DA predicted performance during a subsequent intervention.

Results

Participants produced targets successfully in DA at various cueing levels, with some targets requiring less cueing than others. Performance improved significantly within the DA sessions—that is, the level of cueing required for accurate productions of the targets decreased during DA sessions. Last, moderate correlations existed between DA scores and performance during the intervention for 3 out of 4 targets, with statistically significant findings for 2 of 4 targets.

Conclusion

DA offers promise for examining the developmental readiness of young children who use augmentative and alternative communication to produce early expressive language structures.

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Early Sentence Productions of 3- and 4-Year-Old Children Who Use Augmentative and Alternative Communication

Purpose

This study investigated the early rule-based sentence productions of 3- and 4-year-old children with severe speech disorders who used single-meaning graphic symbols to communicate.

Method

Ten 3- and 4-year-olds requiring the use of augmentative and alternative communication, who had largely intact receptive language skills, received instruction in producing up to four different semantic–syntactic targets using an Apple iPad with a communication app. A single-case, multiple-probe, across-targets design was used to assess the progress of each participant and target. Generalization to new vocabulary was assessed, and a subgroup also was taught to produce sentences using grammatical markers.

Results

Some targets (primarily possessor-entity) were mastered in the baseline phase, and the majority of the remaining targets were mastered during intervention. All four children who completed intervention for grammatical markers quickly learned to use the markers accurately.

Conclusions

Expressive language potential for preschoolers using graphic symbol–based augmentative and alternative communication systems should not be underestimated. With appropriate presentation and intervention techniques, some preschoolers with profound speech disorders can readily learn to produce rule-based messages via graphic symbols.

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Dynamic Assessment for 3- and 4-Year-Old Children Who Use Augmentative and Alternative Communication: Evaluating Expressive Syntax

Purpose

The developmental readiness to produce early sentences with an iPad communication application was assessed with ten 3- and 4-year-old children with severe speech disorders using graduated prompting dynamic assessment (DA) techniques. The participants' changes in performance within the DA sessions were evaluated, and DA performance was compared with performance during a subsequent intervention.

Method

Descriptive statistics were used to examine patterns of performance at various cueing levels and mean levels of cueing support. The Wilcoxon signed-ranks test was used to measure changes within the DA sessions. Correlational data were calculated to determine how well performance in DA predicted performance during a subsequent intervention.

Results

Participants produced targets successfully in DA at various cueing levels, with some targets requiring less cueing than others. Performance improved significantly within the DA sessions—that is, the level of cueing required for accurate productions of the targets decreased during DA sessions. Last, moderate correlations existed between DA scores and performance during the intervention for 3 out of 4 targets, with statistically significant findings for 2 of 4 targets.

Conclusion

DA offers promise for examining the developmental readiness of young children who use augmentative and alternative communication to produce early expressive language structures.

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Early Sentence Productions of 3- and 4-Year-Old Children Who Use Augmentative and Alternative Communication

Purpose

This study investigated the early rule-based sentence productions of 3- and 4-year-old children with severe speech disorders who used single-meaning graphic symbols to communicate.

Method

Ten 3- and 4-year-olds requiring the use of augmentative and alternative communication, who had largely intact receptive language skills, received instruction in producing up to four different semantic–syntactic targets using an Apple iPad with a communication app. A single-case, multiple-probe, across-targets design was used to assess the progress of each participant and target. Generalization to new vocabulary was assessed, and a subgroup also was taught to produce sentences using grammatical markers.

Results

Some targets (primarily possessor-entity) were mastered in the baseline phase, and the majority of the remaining targets were mastered during intervention. All four children who completed intervention for grammatical markers quickly learned to use the markers accurately.

Conclusions

Expressive language potential for preschoolers using graphic symbol–based augmentative and alternative communication systems should not be underestimated. With appropriate presentation and intervention techniques, some preschoolers with profound speech disorders can readily learn to produce rule-based messages via graphic symbols.

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Can Bugs Talk?

Jason Moon of the New Hampshire Public Radio, reports that researchers at the University of New Hampshire are studying communication strategies of American Burying Beetles.

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NPR: Music to Ease Hearing Loss

NPR featured a piece on  “All Things Considered,” considering how to improve speech understanding in noisy environments. The segment focused on an ongoing study by Frank Russo, the director of the Science of Music, Auditory Research, and Technology Lab (SMART Lab) at Ryerson University in Toronto.

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Falls Risk Reduction and Robotics

Understanding and reducing falls in the elderly is an important cornerstone in vestibular and balance rehabilitation, and there may be a new tool on the horizon that could change the way our patients achieve this, namely, exoskeleton technology. Previously, the use of exoskeletons assistance has been limited. Initial prototypes were cumbersome and designed for those with significant motor-control impairment, which left most of the control to the device itself. 

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Whispering Whales

Imagine traveling thousands of miles with your newborn in search of food. Now imagine doing this in almost complete darkness. This is exactly what humpback whales and their newborns do as a matter of routine. The journey to the food-rich Antarctic or Arctic waters from their tropical breeding grounds can be thousands of miles. The mother and calf swim in deep ocean waters where light is scarce and therefore vision is not very useful. The pair has to depend on sound to keep track of each other. But broadcasting their presence to killer whales can be fatal.  

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Sound Art

Got plans to visit Canada anytime soon?  The Museum London in London, Ontario, will be hosting the exhibit “Sounds Assembling: Communication and the Art of Noise.”  The artwork includes glass panels etched with waveforms corresponding to spoken word (Artist: James Joynes) and a hand-cranked musical device that plays notes corresponding to the noise of insects (Artist: Kevin Curtis Norcross). 

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Is Cost the Primary Factor for Hearing Aid Adoption?

In 2015, the President’s Council on Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) issued recommendations intended to improve hearing health- care delivery. Subsequently, the FDA and other federal agencies and consumer advocacy groups sponsored a study published by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine in June 2016. Further considerations have been discussed in an FDA (April 2016) and FTC (April 2017) workshops. A common issue discussed in each of these reports and workshops is the high cost of hearing aids as a primary factor in adoption rates.

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National Academies of Practice and Audiology

Three members of the American Academy of Audiology, Bettie Borton, AuD; Victor Bray, PhD, and Victoria Keetay, PhD, were recently selected to serve in leadership positions in the the National Academies of Practice (NAP). Bettie Borton and Victoria Keetay are the chair and vice chair of the Audiology Academy in the NAP, respectively. Victor Bray, founding chair of the Audiology Academy, has been elected as secretary/treasurer to NAP’s Executive Council.

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Surf's Up?

Do you ever daydream about living in Hawai'i? Are you curious if there would be opportunities for audiologists in this tropical paradise? If so, you may be interested in a recent article by Shaikh et al (2017) titled "Hearing and Balance Disorders in the State of Hawai‘i: Demographics and Demand for Services."

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Botanaudiology

With bills flying around the DC beltway and opinions creating a tornado of whispers, there is a worry about the future of audiology in the air. Will the corner pharmacy be the latest competition we have to deal with? Will all the talk about the cost of hearing aids drown out the real cost of hearing loss? Will an ill-fitting device create a lifetime of distance between a person with a hearing loss and actual help? Or will this tsunami of attention and publicity finally turn our nation’s attention to hearing loss as a public health conundrum?

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Gaining a Deeper Understanding into Optimal Outcomes for Those with Autism Spectrum Disorder

How do the brains of those who have had optimal outcomes from early therapy for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) function? Is it different from those who have not had optimal outcomes or even from those without ASD? This is what two researchers from the University of Connecticut, Drs. Deborah Fein and  Inge-Marie Eigstiare, are currently exploring through the use of functional magnetic resonance imaging. They define optimal outcomes as those who appear to no longer have any ASD symptoms. 

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Growing Ears

Recently, researchers from Indiana University and Harvard established a method for developing human inner ear organoids in 3D culture. As described in Nature Biotechnology (Koehler et al., 2017), differentiated human pluripotent stem cells into an inner ear-like organ (organoid) with functional hair cells. The advantage of this approach is the use of human cells that are different from animal models.

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